MREA partners with workforce development organizations, community groups, and educational institutions across the Midwest to deliver hands-on solar training that builds skills, confidence, and pathways to good-paying jobs.
Workforce Training
Proven Programs
Designed for workforce and community partners
Industry Credentials
Prepare students for entry level industry credentials
Hands-On Learning
Real-world skills with practical, engaging instruction
Career Pathways
Connect learners to apprenticeships and employment
Introductory Solar Training Package (PV 120)
35 Hours – four 8-hr days, and one half day of activities
Best for – Beginners, career exploration, CTE students
Credential – Certificate of Completion
Sample Schedule
Starting at $17,899 per cohort
(up to 15 students)
PV Associate Core Course Package (PV 255)
40 Hours – 5 consecutive days (8 hours per day)
Best for – Electrical apprentices, electricians, installers, and experienced tradespeople
Credential – Prepares students for the NABCEP PV Associate (PVA) Credential
Sample Schedule
Starting at $25,899 per cohort
(up to 15 students)
Solar Training Academy (PV 320) MREA Pre-apprenticeship Program
80 Hours – 10 consecutive days (8 hours per day)
Best for – Workforce programs, career changers, job seekers
Credential – Prepares students for the NABCEP PV Associate (PVA) Credential
MREA pre-apprenticeship – students receive credit toward Cam Services’ registered Solar PV Technician Apprenticeship while connecting with employers seeking entry-level solar professionals.
Sample Schedule
Starting at $40,899 per cohort
(up to 15 students)
Introductory Solar Training Package (PV 120)
Starting price: $17,899 (total for a cohort of 15 students)
The Introductory Solar Training Package is a five-day, in-person program designed to prepare participants for entry into the solar industry. Through a blend of engaging classroom instruction and hands-on activities, students develop a solid understanding of solar PV fundamentals while gaining practical skills and confidence. Participants complete five courses (PV 100, PV 101, PV 150, PV 201, and PV 202) over five 7-hour days, totaling 35 hours of instruction.
Includes:
- One MREA Instructor per cohort
- Textbook
- Printed course materials
- Access to digital course materials and recorded presentations for review before testing
- Take-home student activities
Program highlights:
- Explore careers and pathways in the solar industry
- Participate in hands-on solar skill-building activities
- Learn the fundamentals of solar energy and electricity
- Understand worksite and electrical safety best practices
- Conduct basic solar site assessments
- Gain an introduction to PV system design concepts
Suggested Audiences:
- Individuals exploring careers in the solar industry
- Community members interested in renewable energy
- Workforce development and pre-apprenticeship participants
- Adult learners seeking foundational solar knowledge
- High school and technical education students
- Career and technical education (CTE) programs
PV Associate Core Course Package IN-PERSON (PV 255)
Starting price: $25,899 (total for a cohort of 15 students)
The PV Associate Core Course IN-PERSON Package is MREA’s most accelerated pathway to NABCEP PV Associate credentialing, designed for participants who already have experience in the electrical, construction, or skilled trades. This intensive program builds on existing technical knowledge to quickly develop the competencies needed for careers in solar installation, design, and commissioning. Ideal for apprenticeship programs, electrical training providers, contractors, and workforce development organizations, the curriculum moves at an expedited pace while preparing participants to pursue the NABCEP PV Associate (PVA) Credential and advance into the growing solar workforce.
Includes:
- Two MREA Instructors per cohort
- Textbook
- Printed course materials
- Access to digital course materials and recorded presentations for review before testing
- Paper and Pencil NABCEP PV Associate Exam
Program highlights:
- MREA’s fastest pathway to NABCEP PV Associate credentialing
- Designed for experienced tradespeople and electrical professionals
- Accelerated training focused on real-world applications
- Prepares participants for the NABCEP PV Associate (PVA) Exam
- Builds on existing electrical and construction knowledge
- Ideal for pre-apprenticeship, upskilling, and workforce transition programs
Suggested Audiences:
- Licensed electricians and electrical apprentices
- Skilled trades professionals
- Electrical and construction contractors
- Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs
- Technical colleges and electrical education programs
- Workforce development organizations serving experienced tradespeople
Solar Training Academy (PV 320)
Starting price: $40,899 (total for a cohort of 15 students)
The Solar Training Academy is MREA’s most comprehensive workforce development program, designed to prepare participants for successful careers in the solar industry. This intensive, 80-hour training combines foundational solar PV education with hands-on lab activities, exam preparation, and the NABCEP PV Associate (PVA) paper-and-pencil exam. Delivered over two weeks, the Academy provides a deliberate, supportive learning experience that builds technical knowledge, practical skills, and industry confidence. It is ideal for workforce development organizations, community colleges, and community-based organizations seeking a proven pathway from training to employment.
Includes:
- Two MREA Instructors per cohort
- Textbook
- Printed course materials
- Access to digital course materials and recorded presentations for review before testing
- Paper and Pencil NABCEP PV Associate Exam
- Take-home student activities
Program highlights:
- Comprehensive 80-hour solar workforce training program
- Hands-on lab activities using industry-standard equipment
- Covers PV fundamentals, safety, system design, installation, and commissioning
- Dedicated NABCEP PV Associate (PVA) exam preparation
- Includes the NABCEP PV Associate (PVA) paper-and-pencil exam
- Supports career readiness with employability and industry awareness
- Designed for workforce development and career transition programs
Suggested Audiences:
- Workforce development organizations
- Community action agencies
- Community and technical colleges
- Pre-apprenticeship and career pathway programs
- Veterans’ transition programs
- Individuals seeking to enter the solar workforce with little or no prior experience
MREA’s Solar Training Academy is more than a workforce training program, it is now a pre-apprenticeship program and the first step on a pathway to a long-term career in solar! Through our partnership with Cam Services, graduates of the academy are eligible to receive credit for 72 hours toward the 288-hour Solar PV Technician Apprenticeship, giving participants a head start on a registered apprenticeship recognized by the industry.
In addition to receiving apprenticeship credit, graduates gain access to career opportunities through Cam Services’ employer network. This partnership creates a clear pathway from foundational solar education to hands-on experience and long-term career advancement in the clean energy industry.
Ready To Train Your Group?
Each training is priced individually based on course offerings, training schedule, travel expenses, and the cost of materials. The MREA Training Team is happy to discuss your customized training needs. It is helpful if you come prepared with the following information:
Which MREA courses are you interested in offering?
How many students do you have and what is their experience level?
What will the training schedule be? Example: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Do you have a classroom we can use, or do we need to find one?
Do you have a group of students ready to go or will you be recruiting for the program?